Calluses

Callus is thickening of the skin usually in response to pressure. Callus usually forms on the ball of the foot and the heel. It may, however, form over any bony prominence. Calluses may develop from shearing force on the bottom of the feet or sometimes they have a deep seated “core”, known as a nucleation. This type of callus can be exquisitely painful to pressure and needs to be treated properly by a professional.

Symptoms

A hard growth usually on the ball of the foot

Pain on weight bearing, relieved by rest

Increased discomfort in thin soled and high heeled shoes

More common in women than men

Causes

High heeled shoes

Abnormalities of gait

Flat feet and High arched feet

Excessively long metatarsal bone

Obesity

Bony prominence

Loss of fat pad on the underside of the foot

Treatment

Avoid high heeled shoes

Buy shoes with a good arch and shock absorbing rubber sole

Keep skin moist and supple with regular application of a moisturizer

Apply non-medicated pads around the callus to relieve pressure

Apply moleskin over areas that tend to callus

Carefully debride the callus and any deep seated core it may have.

Apply various pads to relieve pressure

Orthotics to correct functional problems

Surgically realign metatarsals,or remove bony prominences

IMPORTANT:
Calluses can become very painful and at times have stopped many people from functioning properly. However they can be limb threatening in diabetic patients with lack of sensation as they can develop into ulcers extending to the bone with very serious consequences.

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